Hey, Barack Obama: Don't Come Back to Orange County

A few of you might have heard that Senator Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, arrived in Orange County on Sunday, held an exclusive fundraiser for wealthy contributors at the Republican-dominated Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, and left.

Some local Democrats gloated about the idea of Obama grabbing money on right-wing-nut turf, but who of substance cares about empty theatrics? You wouldn't have known anything about the visit because Obama restricted press access, ignored the masses he allegedly represents, did nothing for his potential young voters and--try this on for snobbery--told OC folks who couldn't give the maximum allowable campaign contribution to, well, pound sand.

I know of Democrats who wanted to give $500 or $750 of their hard-earned money, but were told no thanks, you're not getting in. I know of suggestions to hold a public rally to energize local voters, but were told by campaign officials (again from LA) that they didn't care because Obama leads in California polls.

It's not that average folks were singled out for Obama neglence. Louis Gossett, Jr., the actor celebrity, flew here from Philadelphia to introduce the candidate. He was treated with contempt by Obama's staffers, who were busy getting drunk and sneaking their own friends into the event, according to my well-placed sources.

Sen. Obama, if this is the type of incompetence compounded by cynical, money-hungry politics you're going to bring to the White House, you're not worthy of our votes.